imaginative

adjective

i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
Definition of imaginativenext
1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things an imaginative child who is always writing short stories about her pet cat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing found an imaginative gadget that can grind the beans and heat the water to brew coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imaginative Each new spot is an imaginative wonderland and will captivate the attentions of little ones, and parents. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 CoComelon is known for creating these kinds of imaginative scenarios that resonate with how kids actually see the world. — Parents, 14 Aug. 2026 Here was an opportunity to be bold and imaginative but only a few clubs, such as Huddersfield Town (again, more on them later), took up the challenge. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 There are dance sequences to come, and delight to be had as their own kids demonstrate the same ferocious capacity for imaginative play in later years. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginative
  1. inventive
  2. innovative
  3. creative
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • Texas barbecue is typically defined by salt-and-pepper brisket and pork ribs, but this new crop of halal pitmasters is adding inventive twists, often based on their own family heritages.
    — Ulaa Kuziez, NPR, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The wine list is extensive but it sometimes gets shown up by the fresh, inventive cocktails, with a few crafted by the chef’s wife, Diane Mina.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • The mission is part of a broader effort led by USSF to leverage the United States’ innovative commercial space industry to improve the service’s ability to respond to security challenges.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • As a result, the company has developed innovative techniques around drill motors, bit designs — the company uses a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit — and drilling fluids.
    — Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • Based in Sacramento, Sugar Coated is a scratch bakery specializing in gourmet cupcakes, macarons, and individual desserts, known for creative fillings, premium ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But then came creative-class-friendly mid-tier chains such as Warby Parker, Everlane, and Madewell, followed by upscale shops like Chanel and Hermès.
    — Michael Calderone, Curbed, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • The renovation took two years, and the sisters are still updating and tweaking the villa with new color schemes and clever offerings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Of course, that always creates opportunities for movies to break through and shine, thanks to clever marketing.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • But with the talented dual-threat QB healthy and a more seasoned Sooners front, the hunch here is that OU will be much improved on offense in 2026.
    — Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • For the longest time, as an ambassador and protector of American motorsports and one of the most talented drivers to ever sit in a stock car, Denny Hamlin didn’t believe in luck.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of talented

Browse Nearby Words

imagination
imaginative
imaginativeness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginative. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of loath

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All